About the Team:
The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems, particularly in the areas of airborne/surface-based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing. Within this role, we perform work on full system prototypes, experiment campaigns and technology component development.
The Optical & Novel Sensing (ONS) Group within the Sensors Division pursues research in optical and physics-based sensing, in collaboration with STR experts across multiple domains (space, undersea, air) to produce advanced warfighter and intelligence capabilities. Our main customer focus is on Department of War and Intelligence Community research and development programs, with work spanning concept formulation through validation prototyping.
The Role:
The ONS Group is seeking a Chief Scientist with expertise in optical concepts, technologies, processing, and systems to provide technical solutions and leadership in response to customer needs. We expect this person to formulate, market, and lead new compelling active and passive sensing/counter-sensing optical programs that meaningfully impact our national security posture.
A successful candidate will have demonstrated expertise in optics-based solutions, spanning fundamental theory, modeling & simulation, design & fabrication, and test & evaluation. A preferred applicant will have a broad understanding of physics and processing to be able to address complimentary technologies such as RF and acoustics as they may fuse with optical capabilities.
What you will do:
- Technical developer and champion of innovative optical concepts that lead to successful proposals and programs to solve relevant national security problems.
- Technical leadership, direction, and mentoring in areas or optical sensing, signal processing, and laboratory/field testing.
- Lead teams to design, develop, implement, test, and analyze solutions, leveraging skills across multiple STR locations.
- Provide clear and persuasive technical justification for new capabilities to existing and potential customers.
- Serve as a primary technical point of contact for specific customers and offices, developing into a trusted advisor on technical matters.
Who you are:
- PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Sciences/Engineering, Physics, or related fields in Engineering and Applied Sciences.
- 15+ years of practical experience in optical sensing as it relates to modeling & simulation, processing exploitations, optical systems, and laboratory/field testing.
- Eagerness and curiosity to explore new and novel concepts to advance optical capabilities beyond SOA for improved warfighter capabilities.
- Demonstrated success in formulating, marketing, and proposing optical solutions for national security problems.
- Experience in sensing and processing across the optical spectrum (UV through LWIR) with understanding of the limiting physics and the SOA in sensing within each band.
- Experience across all aspects of R&D, including concept formulation & theory, modeling & simulation, design development & implementation, and validation testing (TRL 5-6) of active and/or passive optical technologies.
This position requires an active Top-Secret security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government
Even Better:
- Understanding of additional ISR phenomenology, principles, and signal capture methods (e.g. RF, acoustic), especially as they relate to fusion with EO/IR
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $233,000 - $320,000
The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.
STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [email protected] and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.
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What We Do
STR makes the world a safer place by developing technology and applying it to solve emerging national security challenges.
Why Work With Us
We believe in a people-first culture. Yes, we are scientists, engineers, and researchers, but first, we are people. Our environment is designed to foster innovation by encouraging our employees to work collaboratively on things they are passionate about. We also really like to have fun. We believe that working hard and playing hard go hand in hand.
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